Factors driving the use of dermoscopy in Europe: a pan‐European survey. (15th November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Forsea, A.M.; Tschandl, P.; del Marmol, V.; Zalaudek, I.; Soyer, H.P.; Geller, A.C.; Argenziano, G.
• Other Names: Arenbergerova M. investigator.; Azenha A. investigator.; Blum A. investigator.; Bowling J.C. investigator.; Braun R.P. investigator.; Bylaite‐Bucinskiene M. investigator.; ̌abrijan L. investigator.; Dobrev H. investigator.; Hegy J. investigator.; Helppikangas H. investigator.; Hofmann‐Wellenhof R. investigator.; Karls R. investigator.; Krumkachou U. investigator.; Kukutsch N. investigator.; McCormack I. investigator.; Mekokishvili L. investigator.; Nathansohn N. investigator.; Nielsen K. investigator.; Olah J. investigator.; Özdemir F. investigator.; Puig S. investigator.; Rubegni P. investigator.; Planinsek Rucigaj T. investigator.; Schopf T.R. investigator.; Sergeev V. investigator.; Stratigos A. investigator.; Thomas L. investigator.; Tiodorovic D. investigator.; Vahlberg A. investigator.; Zafirovik Z. investigator.
• Is Part Of: British journal of dermatology. Volume 175:Number 6(2016)
• Page Start: 1329
• Page End: 1337
• Publication Date: 2016-11-15
• Subjects: Dermatology -- Periodicals; Skin -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.5
• DOI: 10.1111/bjd.14895
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-0963

Abstract

Summary: Background: When used correctly, dermoscopy is an essential tool for helping clinicians in the diagnosis of skin diseases and the early detection of skin cancers. Despite its proven benefits, there is a lack of data about how European dermatologists use dermoscopy in everyday practice. Objectives: To identify the motivations, obstacles and modifiable factors influencing the use of dermoscopy in daily dermatology practice across Europe. Methods: All registered dermatologists in 32 European countries were invited to complete an online survey of 20 questions regarding demographic and practice characteristics, dermoscopy training and self‐confidence in dermoscopic skills, patterns of dermoscopy use, reasons for not using dermoscopy and attitudes relating to dermoscopy utility. Results: We collected 7480 valid answers, of which 89% reported use of dermoscopy. The main reasons for not using dermoscopy were lack of equipment (58% of nonusers) and lack of training (42%). Dermoscopy training during residency was reported by 41% of dermoscopy users and by 12% of nonusers ( P < 0·001). Dermatologists working in public hospitals were the least likely to use dermoscopy. High use of dermoscopy across the spectrum of skin diseases was reported by 62% of dermoscopy users and was associated with dermoscopy training during residency, the use of polarized light and digital dermoscopy devices, longer dermoscopy practice, younger age and female gender. Conclusions: Expanding access to dermoscopy equipment, especially in public healthcare facilities and establishing dermoscopy training during dermatology residency would further enhance the substantially high dermoscopy use across European countries. Abstract : What's already known about this topic? Dermoscopy is a well‐established tool for the noninvasive diagnosis of skin diseases. The benefits of dermoscopy depend on correct use by trained physicians. Although considered to be widely used in Europe, reports on dermoscopy use by dermatologists have been carried out in only two European countries so far. What does this study add? Our study is the first pan‐European survey of dermatologists regarding the patterns of use, training and attitudes towards dermoscopy. We report on the demographic, practice‐ and training‐related factors driving or hampering the use of dermoscopy in the daily practice of dermatologists in 32 European countries.